Arrangement for compacting refuse

ABSTRACT

A control system for use in conjunction with a hydraulically operated refuse compactor. Input signals derived from sensors and limit switches on the compactor are applied to the controlled system which, in turn, generates controlling signals directed to the proper hydraulic valves, and in the correct sequence. Safety interlocks prevent operation of the machine when possible damage may be incurred in the machine or by the operator.

United States Patent Woyden [54] ARRANGEMENT FOR COMPACTING REFUSE [72]lnventor:

[73] Assignee:

Stanley J. Woyden, Stamford, Conn.

International Patents & Development Corp., Kings Point, NY.

[22] Filed: Aug.2l, 1969 [21] Appl.No.: 852,005

[52] US. Cl ..100/49, 53/78, 100/45, 100/51, 100/53, 100/73, 100/99,100/218, 100/229, 100/269, 141/94, 169/23, 340/213 [51] Int. Cl ..B30b15/16 [58] Field of Search ..53/67, 78; 99/336; 141/94, 141/140;340/207, 208, 213; 169/23; 100/49, 51,

[ 1 Jan. 25, 1972 3,229,770 1/1966 Harvey ..169/23 X 3,250,414 5/1966Pi0ch..... ..100/229 X 3,302,103 1/1967 Ochs .53/78 X 3,354,813 11/1967Meyer et a1... .99/336 3,430,218 2/1969 Healey ..340/213 3,481,26812/1969 Price et a1 ..100/49 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Research- Cottrell" Afive page pamphlet received in Patent Office on Dec. 13, 1968.

Primary Examiner-Billy .1. Wilhite Attorney-Sparrow and Sparrow 5 7]ABSTRACT A control system for use in conjunction with a hydraulicallyoperated refuse compactor. Input signals derived from sensors and limitswitches on the compactor are applied to the controlled system which, inturn, generates controlling signals directed to the proper hydraulicvalves, and in the correct sequence. Safety interlocks prevent operationof the machine when possible damage may be incurred in the machine or bythe operator.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJANZSEFZ 3.636.863

SHEET 1 OF 4 FIG. 34

ATTO RN EYS PAYENTEB JAMES i972 3.536.863

sum 2 or 4 siesassa PATENTED mas 1972 SHEET 3 0F 4 ATTORNEYS BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION In the operation of refuse compactors to avoid airpollution, it is an essential requirement to provide a control systemfor operating the refuse compactor which is extremely reliable inrepeated use.

Refuse compactors are generally massive machines operated through theapplication of hydraulic systems. A hydraulic operating system is thefeasible one to use because the compacting ram, for example, whichcompacts the refuse into a bale of considerably reduced size, requiresheavy pressures for accomplishing its task. Large forces andhigh-intensity pressures are conveniently realized through hydrauliccylintiers and pistons. The mechanism used to eject the compacted baleafter its formation, is furthermore, also conveniently operated throughhydraulic means. In view of the massive pressures that are availablefrom such hydraulically operated systems, it is desirable to have acontrolling arrangement which will apply controlling signals to theproper hydraulic cylinders, through their associated valves, and withinthe correct sequence of time. If the controlling signals do not occurreliably at each and every instance designated for them, operations maynot be performed within a compacting cycle, and a change in theoperating sequence may result in injury to the machine. Furthermore, inview of the large forces and pressures which are used to actuate themovable parts of the machine, potential danger prevails with respect tothe human operator, in the event that the machine is not operatedproperly. Accordingly, it is a desideratum of the present invention toovercome the foregoing disadvantages and dangers and to supply anefficient and reliable controlled system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A controlled arrangement in which a sensorwithin the refuse storage space of the compactor initiates a signal forcommencing a compacting cycle, when sufficient refuse has beenaccumulated to constitute a compacted bale. The compacting ram is thenactuated to execute reciprocating motion for the purpose of applyingpressure to the refuse and thereby form it into a compacted bale. Whenthe applied pressure of the ram reaches a predetermined level, the ramis held stationary, and an ejection portion of the cycle is commenced byopening a door through which the completed bale may be ejected. Ejectionis achieved through a hydraulically operated ejecting piston whichpushes the compacted bale through the opening left by the opened door.

The machine is stopped from operating whenever the compacting pressureexceeds a predetermined level which may be encountered when anincompressible object becomes intermixed with the refuse, and may causedamage to the machine if the ram were actuated against the object. Themachine is also stopped from operating in the event that the oil levelwithin the hydraulic system is too low, or any doors of the machine,through which an operator may become injured, are left open prior toinitiating or starting ofthe machine.

Relay elements are used to determine the sequence of the operating cycleand to provide a substantially reliable system requiring littlemaintenance and operating personnel.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide acontrolled system for operating a refuse compactor which is reliable inoperation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a controlledsystem for refuse compactors which may be repetitively used withoutexperiencing excessive wear or requiring substantial maintenance.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide acontrolled system for use in conjunction with refuse compactors whichwill prevent damage to the machine in the event that specific operationswithin a timing cycle are not carried out satisfactorily.

It is also a specific object of the present invention to provideinterlocks through which the machine is prevented from operating in theevent that attending personnel may become injured in the operation ofthe machine.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a controlledsystem which will render a refuse compactor a fully automatic machine.

Various further and more specific purposes, features and advantages willclearly appear from the detailed description given below taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings which form part of thisspecification and illustrate merely by way of example, an embodiment ofthe device of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following description and inthe claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience,but such names are intended to be as generic in their application tosimilar parts as the art will permit. Like reference characters denotelike parts in the several figures of the drawings, in which FIG. 1 is afunctional diagram of a refuse-compacting system controlled through thearrangement of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the refuse-compacting system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 to 5 are partial electrical circuit diagrams of the controlarrangement for the system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, andin particular to FIG. I, refuse is admitted to the compacting machinethrough a chute or duct 10. After passing through the chute or duct 10the refuse accumulates within the space 12 of the machine, in front ofthe compacting piston 14. In the inoperative state, prior to initiatinga compacting cycle, the compacting rarn or piston 14 is in the retractedstate shown by the solid lines in the drawings. As refuse accumulateswithin the chamber I2, it reaches eventually the level of aphotoelectric sensor 16 mounted within the duct or chute 10. When thelight path of the photoelectric cell 16 is interrupted, for apredetermined length of time, through the presence of refuse beyond thatlevel, the compacting ram or piston 14 becomes actuated for the purposeof commencing a compacting cycle. Disinfectant is injected or sprayedinto the refuse as it accumulates within the compacting space 12 andprior to initiating a compacting cycle.

Once the compacting ram 14 becomes actuated, it moves reciprocatinglyagainst the refuse in front of the ram within the space 12, so that acompacted bale becomes formed between the piston head 14 and acooperating abutting portion 18. In practice, the completed bale has acylindrical cross section which is determined from the shapes of thepiston head 14 and the abutting portion or die portion 18. Thus, thefrontal part of the piston 14 and the portion 18 may be considered to bedie halves which apply a predetermined shape to the compacted bale. Forconvenience in handling the bale, this shape is often selected to becylindrical for the bale.

When the hydraulic pressure applied to the piston 14 for compacting therefuse achieves a predetermined level, the refuse bale is considered tobe fully compacted, and the ram 14 is stopped, in its motion, in theforward position in which the ram bears against the compacted bale. Adoor 20 is then withdrawn from an opening beneath the compacted balewhich is held in place between the frontal portion of the piston 14 andthe die portion 18 cooperating with the piston in forming the bale. Thedoor 20 is-moved hydraulically through a hydraulic cylinder and piston22 which is linked to the door through the rod 24. The compacting piston14 is operated through the hydraulic cylinder 15.

Once the door 20 has been fully withdrawn so that a full openingprevails beneath the compacted bale, the ejecting hydraulic cylinder 26is operated so as to force the piston 28 downward and thereby force thecompacted bale within a container 30. The latter is held within a can 32which becomes advanced beneath the door 20 prior to initiating anejecting portion of the cycle. The container 30 may be of the disposabletype, so that the entire compacted bale and container may then betransported for discarding purposes.

The hydraulic cylinders of the compacting machine are operated throughthe circuit 34 which includes a motor 36 for operating a hydraulic pumpand thereby maintain fluid under pressure within the operating cylindersof the machine. The motor 36 may be operated from a three-phase powersupply which is connected to the motor by way of circuit breakers 40used to protect the motor against overload conditions. The power linesto the motor are also passed through contacts of a relay 42 whichbecomes deenergized whenever the motor is to be stopped for any reason,such as when a condition arises which may be injurious to the machine orthe operator. Thus, each of the three-phase lines for the motor arepassed through contacts, 42a, 42b and 42c of the relay 42.

To operate the machine, the switch 44 is transferred to the on" positionfor the purpose of applying power to the connection path or junction 46.

As refuse drops through the chute or duct and past the photocell 16, thelatter becomes momentarily actuated and thereby transmits a signal usedto energize a time delay relay 48. The signal used to energize the timedelay relay 48 is simultaneously applied to the relay 50 which becomeslatched in and thereby maintains the delay relay 48 also energized.During the energized state of the relay 48, a solenoid 52 becomesactuated for the purpose of spraying disinfectant into the refuse beingaccumulated within the storage space 12. After the time intervalassociated with the time delay relay 48 has expired, the latter becomesdeenergized and, as a result, the relay 50 is also released ordeenergized, since it is connected in series with a contact 48a or therelay 48.

The latching feature of the relay 50 results from the contact 50a whichis connected in series with the coil of the relay 50. A second contact50b of the relay 50 causes energization of the solenoid 52 whenever therelay 50 is energized, as determined by the time interval of the relay48. The latter becomes actuated through contact 16a of the photocellassembly 16.

It is not essential that a photocell be used for detecting theaccumulation or the passage of refuse through the chute 10. Anultrasonic device, for example, may also be used for purposes ofdetecting passage of refuse through the duct. Thus, any disturbance ofthe ultrasonic pattern established by the device would be registered asa signal which would be processed and used precisely the same as thesignal emitted by the photocell 16.

When refuse has accumulated within the duct or chute 10 so that it isstacked beyond or above the level of the photocell 16 or similarfunctioning sensor, so that this sensor or photocell becomes actuatedfor a predetermined length of time as, for example, several minutes, thetime delay relay 54 becomes energized through the contact 16!)associated with the sensor. in the case of using a photocell for thesensor, the relay 54, for example, becomes energized, as a result of theblockage or interruption of the light path associated with the photocell16. With the operation of the time delay relay 54, the contact 540 ofthis relay closes and thereby energizes the relay 56 connected inparallel with a timing motor 58. Once the timing motor becomes thusenergized, it becomes latched into this energized stage through thecontact 58a which is operated by a cam of the timing motor. Theoperation of timing motors and their cam-operated switches are wellknown in the art and will, therefore, not be discussed in detail herein.

Connected in parallel with the timing motor 58 which is arranged tooperate for a time interval of, for example, 2% minutes, is a time delayrelay 60 having, for example, a delay of minutes. This latter time delayrelay 60 is a safety device which stops the operation of the machinethrough the release or deenergizing of the relay 62 connected in serieswith a plurality of interlocked switching devices. When the relay 62becomes thus deenergized or released, a redflashing indicating lamp 64is turned on and a remotely located bell 66 is sounded. The flasher 64and bell 66 become operated through the contact 62a of the relay 62.These two indicating devices 64 and 66 are used to register an alarmcondition which notifies the operator and attending personnel that anunusual operating condition has arisen.

Whenever such an alarm condition is registered, the relay 68 denoted asan alarm relay and connected in parallel with the flasher 64 and bell66, is also energized. When this relay 68 becomes actuated, as a resultof the presence of an alarm condition, such operation of the relay 68may also be used to transmit a signal over telephone lines to a remotelylocated central office for the purpose of dispatching maintenancepersonnel to the scene of the machine. At the same time, switchingcontacts associated with the relay 68 may also be used to trigger aportable receiver which may be carried by maintenance personnel locatedremotely from the compacting machine. When such a portable receivercarried by such personnel becomes triggered, the personnel are informedthat their attention is required at the machine. The portable receivercarried by such personnel may also be connected to a buzzer or vibratorwhich is attached to their clothing for the purpose of attracting theirattention. Thus, by connecting a radio signal transmitter 70 across therelay 68, for example, an alarm signal is immediately transmitted tosuch remotely located personnel, through their portable receiver carriedon their person, whenever an alarm condition prevails through theenergizing of the relay 68. At the same time, this alarm signal may alsobe transmitted through a telephone transmitter 72, for example, whichmay be designed in the form of a conventional device used for dialing aspecific number so that the signal may be transmitted over conventionaltelephone lines to a remotely located central station. in the event thatdirectly connected leased telephone lines are used, it is possible toomit the transmitter 72, since the signal resulting from the energizingof relay 68 will then be directly transmitted to the central stationwithout having to dial a specific number. A lamp, furthermore, may beincluded with the relay 68 so as to indicate a condition that an alarmhas been registered.

Once the timing motor 58 is operating and the relay 56 is energized, astandby lamp 74 is shorted across its terminals, and a compacting lamp76 is turned on. When the timing motor 58 becomes actuated for thepurpose of initiating a compacting cycle, the ram 14 is in the forwardposition illustrated by the broken lines in FIG. 1. ln this forwardposition of the compacting ram or piston 14, a limit switch 78 actuatedthrough the motion of the ram, is in the position shown in the drawing.This limit switch 78 is of the toggle switch design, and the switch willnot transfer state until the compacting piston or ram 14 has reached itsretracted position. The toggle switch 78, may, for example, be actuatedthrough an actuating device mounted directly upon the piston or ram 14.When the latter reaches its forward position, the switch 78 istransfered to the position shown in the drawing. Upon retracting of thepiston 14, the actuator leaves the switch 78 in this position, and whenthe piston 14 has attained its fully retracted position, a secondactuator mounted or secured to the piston actuates the toggle switch 78to the opposite switching position. The spacing between the twoactuators mounted or secured to the piston for purposes of actuating theswitch 78 is, in this example, equal to the length of stroke of thepiston.

Consequently, when power is applied through the limit switch 78, as aresult of the operation of the timing motor 58, the solenoid 80 becomesenergized for the purpose of retracting the ram. The solenoid 80 isassociated with a hydraulic valve by which the cylinder 15 and piston 14are operated so as to cause retraction of the piston. Upon reaching theretracted position, the piston 14 will cause the transfer of the switch78 through means of the actuating devices described, and as a result thesolenoid 82 becomes energized for causing the ram to move back to theforward position. The solenoid 82 is also associated with a hydraulicvalve for the cylinder 15 and piston 14 and is specifically designed soas to direct the hydraulic fluid for pushing the ram into forwardposition.

When the ram thereby reaches the forward position, the switch 78 istransferred again in position and the reciprocating cycle is repeated.The ram is thus maintained with reciprocating motion for the length oftime determined by the timing motor 53, which may, for example, be ofthe order of 2% minutes. During this interval of operation of the motor58 and reciprocating motion of the ram 14, the standby lamps 74 isturned off through the shorting contact 56a of the relay 56. Thecompacting lamp 76 which notifies the operator that the ram is inmotion, is, at the same time, turned on.

At the end of the time interval determined by the motor 58, the relay 56becomes deenergized, and the piston 14 will be directed to move to itsforward position, provided that the limit switch 84 is closed. Thelatter is a momentary contact switch which is cam operated and is in theclosed position at all times except when the piston 14 is fully extendedin the forward position. Accordingly, when the timing motor 58 ceases tooperate, for the purpose of terminating the compacting cycle, the piston14 is brought to the forward position.

Communicating with the hydraulic fluid lines of the system is a pressureswitch 86. When a bale of refuse has been formed through the compactingaction of the piston 4, the pressure switch 86 will indicate apredetermined pressure magnitude or pressure intensity. The pressureswitch 86 is a conventional device which results in a circuit closurewhen a preset pressure level is attained. 1n the system of the presentinvention, this set level of the pressure for the device 86 correspondsto the pressure resisting the compacting piston 14, when the bale ofrefuse has been fully formed. If such compacting pressure is attainedwithin the time interval established by the motor 58, the switch 86becomes closed and, as a result, a time delay relay 88 is energized.After the time interval associated with the delay relay 88 has expired,the relay 90 becomes energized and remains in this energized statethrough the latching contact 90a of this relay 90. The relay 90 isenergized as a result of the contact 880 associated with the relay 88.Once the relay 90 is in the energized state, the ejecting lamp 92becomes turned on.

A limit switch 94 is included for the purpose of initiating immediateejection of the refuse accumulated within the space 12, should anincompressible object be dropped through the chute 10, which may causepossible damage to the machine. if, for example, a long steel rod isdropped through the chute 10, the piston 14 in its forward stroke willcause the rod to bear against the limit switch 94 located at theposition 94a in FIG. 1. With the closure of this switch 94, the ejectioncycle becomes initiated. Thus, the switch 94 serves to apply a safetyfeature to the machine whereby the latter is protected against possibledamage resulting from incompressible objects. The location 94a, at thesame time, may be used in the form of a cutting edge so that when, forexample, a wooden rod is dropped through the chute the ram 14 will cutthe wooden rod during its forward motion. Under normal operatingconditions, the ejecting portion of the cycle is not begun unless thecompacting pressure, as sensed by the device 86, is maintained for apredetermined time interval established by the time delay relay 88.When, however, the switch 94 becomes actuated, the relay 88 is bypassedand the relay 90 is immediately energized so as to initiate an ejectingcycle. By providing the relay 88, assurance is had that the bale willnot be ejected prematurely if a higher pressure is developed for only ashort time interval during the compacting process and a bale has not, asyet, been completed.

With relay 90 energized, the forward solenoid 82 of the compacting ramalso becomes energized through the contact 90b, The ram, therefore, isextended in the forward position, while at the same time, the doorsolenoid 96 becomes energized through the contact 90c of the relay 90.The switching contact 90b serves to maintain the ram in its extendedforward position for the ejecting process, and prevents the ram fromcreeping back, by maintaining the solenoid 82 energized. In effect, theram is also extended somewhat more than it is during the compactingprocess for the purpose of obtaining a firmer packaged or compacted baleprior to ejection. The relay also has a contact 90d for the purpose ofmaintaining the retracting solenoid 80 for the ram deenergized. Thisretracting solenoid would normally become energized as a result of theposition of the limit switch 78, which assumes the position shown in thedrawing, when the ram is in the forward position.

After the solenoid 96 has caused the door 20 to be withdrawn so as toleave an opening beneath the compacted bale, a limit switch 98 on thedoor is transferred to the closed circuit position. The limit switch 98is of the momentary contact type of switch which is spring actuated andwill be held only in the closed circuitposition provided that the door20 is in its open position. With the limit switch 98, however, in theclosed circuit position while the door is open, the time delay relay I00becomes energized, The ejection solenoid 10;. becomes, at the same time,energized through the limit switch 104. The limit switch 104 is actuatedthrough the motion of the ejecting piston 28, at the extreme positionsof this piston.

When the piston 28 is in its uppermost position, the switch 104 istransferred to the position shown in the drawing, corresponding to theposition 104a. The switch 104 is of the toggle type of switch and willremain in this position 1040 until the piston 28 reaches its lowermostposition, at which instant the switch 104 is transferred to its position104b. The position l04b of the switch will then be maintained until thepiston again reaches its uppermost position. The actuation of the limitswitch 104 through actuators mounted directly upon the piston, orsecured thereto, is similar to the arrangement described in relation tothe compacting piston 14. Once the ejecting solenoid 102 is energized,the piston 28 is moved downward and the compacted bale is ejected.

The ejecting piston 28 is associated with a second limit switch 106which is of the momentary contact type and which is mounted so that itbecomes actuated when a piston is in its uppermost position. In thisuppermost position of the piston, the switch 106 is in the position106a. For all other positions of the piston, the switch 106 isspring-actuated to the position 106b. Through the contact a of the timedelay relay 100, the relay 90 is maintained energized until the limitswitch 106 transfers to its position l06b.

When the ejecting piston 28 reaches its lowermost position, the limitswitch 104 is transferred to its position 104b and energizes, thereby,the relay 108. With the transfer of the limit switch 104, the ejectingsolenoid 102 becomes deenergized. As a result of the contact 108a of theenergized relay 108, the motor 110 used to rotate the turntable uponwhich the cans 32 are situated, becomes energized.

Thus, the cans 32 are mounted upon an endless conveyor 31 which advancesan empty can beneath the piston 28, as required, and removes a filledcan after the ejecting piston has pushed the compacted bale into thecontainer 30 lining the can 32. Although the contact 1080 will reopenupon deenergizing of the relay 108 when the ejecting piston 28 reachesits uppermost position and thereby transfers switch 104 to position104a, a limit switch 112 mounted on the turntable maintains the motor110 energized until a new container or can 32 is positioned properly inplace beneath the opening covered by the door 23. The limit switch 106also serves a safety function by preventing the compacting ram fromoperating until the ejecting piston 28 has returned to its uppermostposition.

A further safety feature of the controlled system of the presentinvention is provided through the pushbutton type of switch 114. Whenthe latter switch becomes depressed by the operator, for example, therelay 116 becomes energized and remains in this energized state throughthe latching contact 11611. With the energization of the relay 116, atime delay relay 118 also becomes energized, and remains in this statethrough the energized state of the relay 116. As a result of the contact116b, the door solenoid 96 is actuated so as to cause the opening of thedoor 20. The solenoid 96 is of the spring return design so that when thesolenoid becomes deenergized, the valve for actuating the door 20 istransferred to the state wherein the door becomes opened.

Through the contact of 1160, 116d and 116e, furthermore, the motorstarting relay 42 becomes energized so as to actuate the compacting ram.The latter becomes retracted through the presence of the relay 120 whichis connected in parallel with the relay 116 and is also energized duringthis interval when the relay 116 is energized.

Through the arrangement of the switching contacts 120a and 120b, thesolenoid 80 is energized and the compacting ram is moved into itsretracted position. After the elapse of the time interval associatedwith the relay 118, the relay 116 and 120 again become deenergizedthrough opening of the switching contact 118a. The time delay of therelay 118 is of the order of several seconds required to open the doorand retract the compacting ram 14. Consequently, by depressing thepushbutton 114, the door may be opened and the compacting ram may beretracted within several seconds. Another safety feature which preventsdamage to the machine is achieved through a pressure-detecting switch122. The latter detects the condition when the pressure behind thecompacting ram 14 exceeds apredetermined level. At that point, theswitch 122 is transferred to closed circuit position and energizes,thereby, the relay 124. With the energized state of the relay 124, themachine becomes immediately turned off through the switching contact124a. Through the contact 124b the red-flashing light 64 becomesactuated and the bell 66 becomes sounded. At the same time, the lamp 126becomes turned on so as to indicate that a maximum pressure condition assensed by the device 122 has resulted.

The pressure-sensing device 122 is similar to that of 86, with theexception that the device 122 has been set to provide a circuit closurewhen the pressure level exceeds a predetermined limit which issubstantially above that for which a circuit closure is realized throughthe device 86. By noting the lamp 126, the operator may immediatelydetermine why the machine has stopped and apply, therefore, correctiveaction. The pressure sensor 122 would become actuated, for example, whenan incompressible steel rod has dropped into the machine and is blockingthe free motion of the compacting ram. Under such circumstances, it isdesirable to protect the machine from becoming damaged as a result ofdeveloping excessive pressures and, for this reason, the switch 122 isprovided to shut off the machine.

Connected in parallel with the high-pressure switch 122, is also anotherpole of the manually operated switch 114 for retracting the compactingram. Thus, when this switch 114 is depressed, the conditions resultingfrom closure of the switch 122 are also simulated.

The control system, in accordance with the present invention, hasseveral other safety features through which the machine becomes turnedoff and is prevented from operating, so as to prevent damage to theoperator or to the machine itself, Thus, in the event that a fireprevails within the machine as a result of, for example, the dropping ofinflammable chemicals or similar materials into the machine from thechute 10, a thermal switch 128 becomes actuated and transfers to theposition 1280 where it energizes the solenoid valve 130. The thermalswitch 128 is a temperature-detecting switch constructed of a bimetallicelement which will perform a switching action when the temperature towhich the switch is subjected to exceeds a predetermined limit. With theenergizing of the solenoid 130, a sprinkler built into the machine willbecome actuated for the purpose of extinguishing the fire. Thissprinkler may, at the same time, be also used as a cleaning agent forthe machine. By actuating the pushbutton 132 it is possible to energizethe solenoid valve 130 without the action of the switch 128. Thus, theoperator may, at any time, depress a pushbutton 132 for the purpose ofenergizing the solenoid 136 and thereby actuate the sprinkler system forcleaning the interior of the machine. Whenever a tire is, however,registered through the transfer of the switch 128 to the position 128a,the lamp 132 is turned on for the purpose of informing the operator ofthis condition. At all other times, the lamp 132 is shortened throughthe contact of the switch 128. The machine becomes stopped when theswitch 128 does become actuated, because the relay 62 becomesdeenergized.

it is also desired to stop the machine from operating when all of thecans 32 have been filled, and none are further available for receivingadditional bales of compacted refuse. Under these circumstances, a limitswitch 134 mounted upon the conveyor 31 becomes transferred to the opencircuit position and thereby deenergizes the relay 62. The lamp 136becomes simultaneously turned on with the actuation of the limit switch134 so as to indicate the reason for the stoppage of the machine.

To protect the operator from possible injury while the machine is inmotion, a limit switch 138 becomes actuated and deenergizes the relay 62for turning off the machine, in the event that the inspection doors tothe machine are left open, so that any person may have access to theinterior of the machine and thereby incur possible injury while themachine is in operation. Whenever the machine becomes turned off as aresult of the actuation of the limit switch 138, the lamp 140 lights toindicate this condition.

If, for any reason whatsoever, the motor 36 draws overload current, thecircuit breaker 40 becomes actuated to deenergize the relay 62 andlight, at the same time, the lamp 41 for the purpose of indicating thereason for the nonoperating condition of the machine.

Should the temperature of the oil used for the hydraulic fluid in theoperating system of the compactor exceed a predetermined limit, thethermal switch 142 becomes actuated and deenergizes the relay 62 forstopping the machine. The switch 142 may be in the form of a bimetallicelement which becomes actuated at a predetermined temperature level.When the switch 142 has become thus actuated through a temperature whichis considered too high for the oil within the hydraulic system, the lamp144 becomes lighted to indicate this condition.

If, on the other hand, the level of the oil within the hydraulic systemis too low, a level-indicating switch 146 becomes actuated and the lamp148 is lighted so as to indicate this condition, whereby the operatormay take appropriate action to replenish the oil that may have been lostfrom the system.

If, in the event that photocell 16 becomes defective or soiled, so thatthe time delay relay 60 becomes actuated, the switching contact 60aopens for the purpose of deenergizing the relay 62 and, at the sametime, indicate the inoperative condition through the lamp 150. The timedelay relay or timer 60 is, for example, set for a 15-minute timeinterval, and should a compacting cycle not have been fully carried outby that time and the light path of the photo cell 16 have been cleared,it may be concluded that the photo cell requires attention ormaintenance, and the operator is alerted to this condition through thelamp 150 turned on as a result of the switching contact 60a beingtransferred to open circuit condition.

To prevent disturbances to residents of a building during the night as aresult of the operation of the compacting machine, a timer 152 isprovided which will open the circuit to the relay 62 and therebydeenergize the latter, when the time set on the timer 152 is exceeded.Thus, the timer 152 may be set so as to maintain its switching contactopen during the night hours of each day, and thereby maintain themachine in the inoperative state. A lamp 154 indicates this conditionwhen the timer 152 has rendered the machine inoperative.

Accordingly, the relay 62 may become deenergized whenever one of aseries of conditions prevail, during which it is desirable to have themachine inoperative. All of the switching devices which are actuated todisconnect the machine from the line are all connected in series and, atthe same time, in series with the coil to the relay 62.

Whenever any one of these series-connected switches becomes actuated,the switch opens its respective lamp circuit and permits the lamp,thereby, to light. At all other times, the switching contact shortcircuits the lamp and thereby maintains the lamp in the turned-offstate.

Resistors 200 to 206 are connected to the respective lamps for thepurpose of assuring that the correct voltage appears across the lampwhen the corresponding switching contact for the lamp is opened.

While it may, at times, be possible to operate the compacting machineduring the night without producing disturbances to residents in thevicinity, it may not be desirable to sound the bell 66 in the event thatan alarm condition is realized. The flashing lamp 64 and bell 66 arenormally actuated whenever the relay 62 is deenergized or the relay 124becomes energized. Under these conditions, when the bell 66 is notdesired to sound, a switch 158 may be transferred to the circuit-openposition so as to prevent actuation of the bell. By linking the switch158 to a timer 156, it is possible to automatically turn off the bell 66during the night hours, for example. Thus, by setting the night timer156 similar to that described in relation to the night timer 152, it ispossible to deactivate the bell 66 during specific hours of the night.

lf, for any reason, the control system develops defective operation sothat an excess of current is drawn, a circuit breaker 160 disconnectsthe entire control system from the line. The circuit breaker 162 isprovided, on the other hand, to disconnect the turntable motor 110 fromthe line, in the event that this motor draws excess current throughoverload or defective operation.

If the machine has been stopped for any reason, and it is desirable toreset the machine for continued operation, the switch 44 is transferredto the Reset position and then to the On position. Through suchactuation of the switch 44, the relay 124 becomes deenergized when theswitch is in the Reset" position, and consequently the control circuitrywill have been reset to an operative state when the switch is returnedto the *On position.

A pushbutton 164 permits the operator to index the turnta ble orconveyor 31 manually without applying the automatic system, of thepresent invention. Thus, by depressing the pushbutton 164, the relay 108becomes energized and as a result the motor 110 becomes operated throughthe contact 108. The operator is free to depress the pushbutton 164 anynumber of times for the purpose of advancing the cans 32, or setting theconveyor or turntable 31 into motion. Switching contacts 56b, 62b, andl24c of relays 56, 62, and 124 respectively, assure that their circuitbranches operate in the proper sequence in relation to the overalloperating phases of the controlled system.

While the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to acertain preferred example, it will be understood by those skilled in theart after understanding the principle of the invention, that variouschanges and modifications may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. An arrangement for compacting refuse comprising, in combination,refuse storage means for storing and accumulating refuse to becompacted; detection means communicating with said storage means fordetecting when a predetermined quantity of refuse has been accumulatedwithin said storage means; hydraulic-oil-actuated pressure-applyingmeans operatively connected to said detection means for applyingpressure to said predetermined quantity of refuse and forming into acompacted mass of refuse, said pressure-applying means being actuatedthrough said detection means when a predetermined quantity of refuse hasbeen accumulated; pressure-sensing means connected to saidpressure-applying means for sensing when the pressure applied to saidquantity of refuse has attained a predetermined level, said quantity ofrefuse being formed into a compacted mass when said predetermined levelof pressure has been attained; closure means for opening and closingsaid refuse storage means and operatively connected to saidpressure-sensing means for opening said storage after said predeterminedlevel of pressure has been attained, said compacted mass being removablefrom said storage means after opening thereof; ejecting means actuatedin response to the opening of said storage means by said means foropening and closing said refuse storage means, said ejecting meansforcing said compacted mass from said storage means when opened; accessdoor means for access to the interior of said refuse-compactingarrangement' container means for receiving said compacted mass of refuseafter being e ected from said storage means; conveying means forconveying a plurality of container means in sequence to to said storagemeans for receiving said compacted mass in sequence; andalarm-indicating means for indicating an alarm signal when predeterminedundesirable operating conditions prevail, said alarm-indicating meanscomprising lamp means emitting a light signal upon presence of a tirewithin said refuse-compacting arrangement, upon the number of containersavailable for conveying to said storage means for receiving saidcompacted mass being exhausted, upon opening of said access door means,upon overloading said oil-actuated pressure-applying means, upon rise intemperature of said oil above a predetermined level, upon decrease ofsaid oil below a predetermined level, and upon inoperativeness of saiddetection means.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said lamp meanscomprises a bank of interconnected lamps, each lamp indicating one ofsaid undesirable operating conditions, and a bank of interconnectedswitches for actuating said lamps, each lamp being actuated by oneswitch so that said lamp is extinguished when said switch bridges saidlamp and said lamp lights when said switch is in open position.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1 including radiotransmittingmeans for transmitting said alarm signal to a remotely located radioreceiver.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1 including means for transmittingsaid alarm signal through conventional telephone line to a remotelocation.

1. An arrangement for compacting refuse comprising, in combination,refuse storage means for storing and accumulating refuse to becompacted; detection means communicating with said storage means fordetecting when a predetermined quantity of refuse has been accumulatedwithin said storage means; hydraulicoil-actuated pressure-applying meansoperatively connected to said detection means for applying pressure tosaid predetermined quantity of refuse and forming into a compacted massof refuse, said pressure-applying means being actuated through saiddetection means when a predetermined quantity of refuse has beenaccumulated; pressure-sensing means connected to said pressureapplyingmeans for sensing when the pressure applied to said quantity of refusehas attained a predetermined level, said quantity of refuse being formedinto a compacted mass when said predetermined level of pressure has beenattained; closure means for opening and closing said refuse storagemeans and operatively connected to said pressure-sensing means foropening said storage after said predetermined level of pressure has beenattained, said compacted mass being removable from said storage meansafter opening thereof; ejecting means actuated in response to theopening of said storage means by said means for opening and closing saidrefuse storage means, said ejecting means forcing said compacted massfrom said storage means when opened; access door means for access to theinterior of said refuse-compacting arrangement; container means forreceiving said compacted mass of refuSe after being ejected from saidstorage means; conveying means for conveying a plurality of containermeans in sequence to to said storage means for receiving said compactedmass in sequence; and alarm-indicating means for indicating an alarmsignal when predetermined undesirable operating conditions prevail, saidalarm-indicating means comprising lamp means emitting a light signalupon presence of a fire within said refuse-compacting arrangement, uponthe number of containers available for conveying to said storage meansfor receiving said compacted mass being exhausted, upon opening of saidaccess door means, upon overloading said oil-actuated pressure-applyingmeans, upon rise in temperature of said oil above a predetermined level,upon decrease of said oil below a predetermined level, and uponinoperativeness of said detection means.
 2. The arrangement according toclaim 1 wherein said lamp means comprises a bank of interconnectedlamps, each lamp indicating one of said undesirable operatingconditions, and a bank of interconnected switches for actuating saidlamps, each lamp being actuated by one switch so that said lamp isextinguished when said switch bridges said lamp and said lamp lightswhen said switch is in open position.
 3. The arrangement according toclaim 1 including radio-transmitting means for transmitting said alarmsignal to a remotely located radio receiver.
 4. The arrangementaccording to claim 1 including means for transmitting said alarm signalthrough conventional telephone line to a remote location.